Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days, days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God. John Muir
Starting with children’s games (remember “King of the Hill?”) to the ever-reaching conquests of man (technology, athletics, science, the race to reach the moon…) we always seem to be reaching for the top. There is something deep within our spirits that spurs us onward – to achieve, to set new records, to conquer unimaginable heights.
We too had a goal. To reach the top of the Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers. The previous day we did hike a fair bit to get to a good viewing perspective of the glacier. But it wasn’t enough, we had to have more…
Nothing beats going to the top. We were going to do it, go all out, the big kahuna. We just had to get a little help with our quest to get there. Although it was via a short-cut. Mind you – we’re not proud. But we felt it was best to support the local economy. Plus it was our first trip in a helicopter. Which was pretty cool! I can see how Bob might try and add one of these to his fleet.
The glacier (as I suppose any glacier is) is an amazing aspect of nature. This particular one is receding at the rate of about 30 meters per year (for those of us on the standard measurement system that’s about 98 feet.)
Standing on the top, makes you realize how insignificant you are in comparison. To try and give words to something like this just seems woefully insufficient, so maybe I should just stop now.
I did curry favor with the helicopter pilot and make it to the front seat (you just have to yell “shotgun” loud enough,) for the return ride. I finally see the true value of “shotgun.”
It almost makes one want to take up mountain climbing, and maybe even go for Everest.
Almost.
So amazing! What an adventure!